Ocean View Rockies edge Huntington Valley for District 62 title

In a wild Major Division final that saw featured 13 runs, most of which were unearned, and wasn't decided until the final out, the Ocean View Rockies claimed the District 62 banner after holding on for a 7-6 victory over the Huntington Valley Sooners on Saturday at Huntington Valley's Inspiration Field.

"That was a tough one," Ocean View Manager Tod Minato said after his team came back from a 2-0 deficit, built a 7-2 lead, and then fended off a Huntington Valley charge over the final three innings. "Coming to Huntington Valley, then having to play their No. 1-seed, we knew this game would be tough. And, it was.

"It was a sloppy game, played kind of tight, but our kids did a good job of closing this one out. Our league was really competitive this year, and I think that really helped us today and throughout the district tournament."

Huntington Valley had taken a 2-0 lead in the bottom of the second. The Sooners did it, too, by coming up with a two-out rally. It started when Tanner O'Brien worked Ocean View starter and winning pitcher Ben McConnell – O'Brien fouled off five-straight pitches to stay alive on a full-count, then drew a walk. Andrew McGlynn followed with a double to the fence in left-center field that scored O'Brien. Cade Ortiz drew a walk and with Connor Biel at the plate, Ortiz faked taking off toward second base. The Rockies bit, threw to second, but Ortiz went back to first and McGlynn was able to score on the fake steal.

It marked the first time that Ocean View had trailed in the tournament. The Rockies had reached Saturday's final by edging Westminster, 1-0, Thursday.

"I don't think we've trailed in a game in about a month," Minato said. "We had trailed and came back to win in some of our league games, and the kids did a real good job of coming right back to take the lead. Who knew that Nick McConnell's home run would be the game-winner?"

The Sooners' lead lasted only one out into the third inning.

Noah Hickman, batting in the No. 9 slot for the Rockies, singled up the middle to ignite the comeback. McConnell drew a walk before Cole Minato laid down a bunt that went to the mound. Sooners starter Nick Morlett fielded the ball cleanly but his throw to first base was high and off the glove of O'Brien, and traveled into right field. Hickman and McConnell both scored on the miscue, to tie the score.